MONDAY, MAY 8
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Ephesians 2:20

"…as a wise masterbuilder,
I have laid the foundation…"

CO-CONTRACTORS OF GOD’S BUILDING

Paul then used the illustration of a building. According to God’s gracious enabling and appointment, Paul served as the "wise masterbuilder" to lay the spiritual foundation of the church at Corinth. Thus we see the humility of the Apostle Paul, for he confessed that the wisdom and strength to be a "masterbuilder" came solely from God. Jesus said, "For without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5).

The Greek word translated "masterbuilder" (architektōn) is where we get the English word for architect. It refers to a contractor tasked with supervising other sub-contractors in executing the blueprint for the construction of the building.

By the grace of God, Paul had faithfully discharged the duty of the chief supervisor. Christ, the chief cornerstone, was the one who called Paul and gave him the blueprint of God’s spiritual building (i.e. the church). Paul thus laid the foundation of the building by giving the Corinthian Christians the inspired Word of everlasting life (cf. Eph 2:20). The Holy Scriptures are thus to be the all-sufficient authority for the church to abide by. The Written Word (the Bible) and the Living Word (Jesus Christ) were the foundation on which the Corinthian Christians were to build upon (1 Cor 3:11).

The expression "and another buildeth thereon" (1 Cor 3:10) must not be viewed as a disparaging remark. Rather it points to how others are equally important in doing their part in the work of God. Interestingly, the term "another" is allos (another of the same kind) and not heteros (another of a different kind). The emphasis here is thus on the unity of the group of labourers. All the co-labourers are members of the heavenly family of God, and must thus work in tandem and harmony towards the construction of the building.

THOUGHT: What is God’s role for me in the body of Christ?
PRAYER: Lord, direct me to do my part in serving Thy saints.